Medical Payment Coverage, commonly called MedPay, is an optional type of auto insurance that can help pay for medical expenses after a car accident no matter who was at fault. In California, where accident-related healthcare costs can be significant, MedPay can provide important financial protection.
At the Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell, we help people who have been injured in car accidents understand all available sources of coverage. Knowing how MedPay works can make a difference in how your expenses are handled after a crash.
What Does MedPay Cover?
MedPay is designed to cover reasonable and necessary medical costs that result from a car accident. This can include:
- Emergency room visits
- Ambulance services
- X-rays and imaging
- Surgery and hospital stays
- Physical therapy
- Funeral expenses in fatal accidents
MedPay applies to you and your passengers, regardless of who caused the crash. It can even cover you if you are hit by a car while walking or biking.
How MedPay Works With Other Insurance
Unlike health insurance, MedPay does not require copays or deductibles. It can be used to pay bills right away, or to reimburse you for out-of-pocket costs. If you have health insurance, MedPay can be used to fill in the gaps such as covering your deductible or other uncovered expenses.
If another driver is eventually found at fault, your auto insurer may seek reimbursement (known as subrogation) for the MedPay amounts they paid on your behalf. But in the meantime, you get quick access to needed funds.
Do You Need MedPay in California?
MedPay is not required by law in California, but it is worth considering. It is relatively inexpensive to add to an auto insurance policy and provides immediate help when you are injured in a crash.
This coverage is especially helpful if:
- You do not have health insurance
- You have a high-deductible health plan
- You want fast access to funds for medical bills
- You want to avoid using your personal health insurance initially
How Much Does MedPay Cover?
You can usually choose the amount of MedPay coverage you want when you set up your auto insurance policy. Common limits range from $1,000 to $10,000 per person, per accident. Higher limits will increase your premium slightly but offer more protection.
Talk to a California Car Accident Attorney
If you have questions about how MedPay works after a crash, or if you are dealing with medical bills after an accident, we can help. At the Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell, we guide our clients through every aspect of their injury claim, including navigating insurance coverage like MedPay.
Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
